Chief Dave Wohlers says Barkley was on a rafting trip with his wife, teenage daughter and others when another raft in front of them tipped over. Wohlers says in a chaotic situation Barkely ended up in the water, though it is not clear how. Several agencies including Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Springs Police, Black Hawk Police and local fire departments responded to an emergency call that came in at 2:50pm. After 30 minutes of rescue efforts, responders were able to pull Barkley out of the water several miles from the initial incident. He was pronounced dead on the shoreline.

Highside Adventure Tours was operating the trip. 9News requested to speak with the manager on-site at the Idaho Springs location, but was told the company had no immediate comment.

Wohlers adds that the cause of death has not yet been determined, and that Barkley's family members say he does not have a medical condition.

According to Idaho Springs Police, Barkley was wearing a life vest and helmet.